Petro Gazz stages fourth set comeback vs. Choco Mucho, nears PVL finals spot

Petro Gazz stormed back from a huge deficit in the fourth set to complete a 24-26, 25-18, 25-17, 27-25 win over Choco Mucho in the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena.

The Angels erased a 21-15 Choco Mucho advantage then unleashed a wild finish to improve to 2-0 in the single round robin Final Four and moved closer to a finals ticket.

The Flying Titans, meanwhile, remained winless at 0-2 after falling to Akari last Saturday following a similar endgame collapse that saw them wasting a 14-11 fifth set advantage.

Down six at the crucial fourth set, Petro Gazz uploaded a massive 8-0 rampage capped by back-to-back aces from setter Djanel Cheng as they regained a 23-21 cushion.

Cheng then set up a perfect play for Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, whose powerful hammer from the right wing sent the Angels to the match point, 24-22.

A long lull, however, ensued after a ball in/ball out challenge by Petro Gazz on the opposite attack of Honey Royse Tubino was deemed inconclusive. The point was eventually given to the Flying Titans to make it a one-point ballgame.

Maizo-Pontillas once again secured the match point but Cherry Nunag's quick kill had both teams knotted anew at 25-all.

But Myla Pablo was clutch as ever, detonating for back-to-back attacks, including the game-winning point that saw the veteran spiker pushing the ball over to end a long rally and bring her team on the verge of their fourth All-Filipino/Open Conference finals appearance.

Brooke Van Sickle was in charge after posting a huge triple-double of 17 points, 22 receptions, and 12 digs while MJ Phillips collected 14 markers. Pablo chipped in 13 points and nine digs.

Another Choco Mucho loss spoiled the 25-point outing of Sisi Rondina as the Flying Titans are now on the cusp of elimination. They will take on Creamline next on Thursday.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News